[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Park Hee-eun] Broadcaster Jang Sung-kyu posted a photo with a 'black background' without any caption on Instagram on the 14th.
Since he has communicated with fans using witty phrases, some speculate that this might be related to the criticism surrounding 'Workman' due to the 'Ilbe controversy.'
On the 11th, 'Workman' aired an episode titled 'Side Job Part-time' featuring Jang Sung-kyu and JTBC weathercaster Kim Min-ah. While the two were folding pizza boxes as a part-time job, the production team used the subtitle 'Starting 18 labor (노무)' when they had to fold 18 more pizza boxes.
The word '노무 (labor)' used instead of 'labor' or 'work' is a term often used on 'Ilgan Best' (Ilbe) to disparage the late former President Roh Moo-hyun, which sparked anger among netizens.
In response, the Workman team stated on their YouTube community on the 13th, "There was no political implication or malicious intent in the process of using the subtitle," and clarified, "The Workman production team has no relation to the specific community 'Ilbe (Ilgan Best).” They also expressed their intention to hold the responsible staff accountable and impose disciplinary action.
Fans supported Jang Sung-kyu's post with comments such as "Stay strong," "It's not your fault, hyung," and "Workman fighting."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
